Minnesota Legislature from Minnesota Public Radio

Minn. state revenues $99M below forecast

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:19:26 -0500

Minnesota's overall tax collections were below projections in the just-completed fiscal year. But state officials say there's no reason to worry - yet.

U of M budget that cuts staff, class offerings subject of Monday public forum

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:48:32 -0500

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will hold a public forum on Monday to discuss a proposed budget that increases student tuition, cuts staff and reduces class offerings. The regents got their first look at the budget late last week.

Health care plan for the poor limits options for rural patients

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:45:43 -0500

General Assistance recipients used to be able to get health care at any hospital or clinic. Now it's not so easy. Only four hospitals in the state have signed on to provide care for GAMC patients under the revised plan, and all four are located in the Twin Cities area.

Group says new law lays groundwork for campaign reform

Fri, 28 May 2010 13:44:02 -0500

A government watchdog group is generally praising a new state law that's designed to shed light on corporations and unions trying to influence elections.

Chaudhary takes heat for 'screw up' at meeting with constituents

Fri, 28 May 2010 06:28:34 -0500

DFL state Sen. Satveer Chaudhary faced a roomful of concerned local DFL party officials and constituents Thursday night in Fridley, and he continues to take heat for a self-described "major league screw up" at the end of the 2010 legislative session.

Pawlenty nixes Minn. bill with walleye rule change

Tue, 25 May 2010 18:13:42 -0500

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has rejected a bill containing a special walleye regulation sought by a state senator for a northeastern Minnesota lake where he owns a cabin.

Pawlenty signs bill to erase $3B Minn. deficit

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:51:44 -0500

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a budget bill that eliminates Minnesota's $3 billion deficit.

MPR News/Humphrey Institute poll: No public funds for Vikes stadium

Fri, 21 May 2010 04:00:00 -0500

The latest Minnesota Public Radio News/Humphrey Institute poll found strong opposition to using taxpayer money for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium. The poll also shows a majority of Minnesotans disapprove of the way lawmakers are handling their job.

$26 million in environmental projects to start in July

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:56:08 -0500

Research covering sustainable biofuels, bee colony collapse disorder and a new microbe discovered in the Soudan mine are among the projects receiving money from this year's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Senator: Lawmakers need to devise Vikings stadium plan

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:26:17 -0500

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said Wednesday that the state's political leaders will need to come up with a plan for a new Vikings stadium.

Former state finance official: Big changes needed in budgeting

Tue, 18 May 2010 10:22:56 -0500

John Gunyou, who served as finance commissioner under Republican Gov. Arne Carlson in the '90s, spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about the state's budget problems. Below is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Insurance for poor adults survives budget cuts, barely

Tue, 18 May 2010 03:00:00 -0500

Some last-minute negotiations at the Capitol pumped an additional $10 million into General Assistance Medical Care, a program for poor, single adults and childless couples. But in the end, GAMC is still taking a more than 75 percent funding cut.

Budget is done, but what's in it for me?

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

You've heard the latest: They pulled an all-nighter at the State Capitol. The Republican governor and Democrats in the Legislature agreed on how to solve the budget deficit. So what's in it for me, you ask? It depends who you are.

Schools see delayed payments and little else from legislative session

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:53:04 -0500

The budget deal the Legislature passed Monday relies heavily on delayed payments to schools to balance the state's books. But aside from that payment shift, lawmakers adjourned without passing any other significant education-related legislation.

Retired Minn. employees sue to undo pension trims

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:47:53 -0500

Two retired Minnesota state employees have filed a class action lawsuit arguing that the Legislature has violated the contractual rights of public sector retirees to receive pension benefits at levels promised when they retired.